November is Native American Heritage Month. As I’ve said before, I’m very much a person who makes sure that I cover different cultural groups all year and not just in ‘the’ month that is set aside. But I still think it’s important to cover them in that month. So here are some more books for Native American Heritage month and some listening to go along with them! I thought it would be fun to feature books that are about dance and movement with some links to go along with them.
(Full disclosure: some affiliate links but it won’t change your price. No pressure!)
Josie Dances
Author: Denise Lajimodiere
Illustrator: Angela Erdrich
ISBN: 978-1681342078
Buy the book on Amazon
YouTube Link: Haliwa-Saponi Powwow: Regalia Making https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvkLTnKzcCA
This beautiful book is a wonderful introduction to students to what preparations go into participating in a powwow.
47000 Beads
Author: Koja Adeyoha, Angel Adeyoha
Illustrator: Holly McGillis
ISBN: 978-0987976383
Buy the book on Amazon
YouTube Link: Regalia and Symbols https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWXf2uswcNY
Understanding Regalia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-79SdteTCgc
This is a book about Peyton who wants to dance in regalia which was usually reserved for boys and how her family handles it.
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
Editor: Cynthia Leitich Smith
ISBN: 978-0062869951
Buy the book on Amazon
YouTube Link: Intertribal – 2025 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLcCjdZ9miY
This book is several stories about powwow experience from people who have gathered at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, an annual powwow in Ann Arbor, MI.
Finding My Dance
Author: Ria Thundercloud
Illustrator: Kalila J. Fuller
ISBN: 978-0593093894
Buy the book on Amazon
YouTube Links: Finding My Dance read along with the author! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfsHtD3c6lU
The Eagle Dance by Ria Thundercloud https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGDrr4z_e0w
Raven’s Ribbons
Author: Tasha Spillett
Illustrator: Daniel Ramirez
ISBN: 978-0316422161
Buy the book on Amazon
This book is about Raven who wants to wear a ribbon skirt like the skirts his grandma creates for others.
YouTube Link: Ribbon skirt dance @ Grande Cache Round Dance 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJaP8EUPvbs
Jingle Dancer
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu
ISBN: 978-0063018112
Buy the book on Amazon
YouTube Link: Women’s Jingle – 2019 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2npPRUi_kk
Need more ideas? Check out these posts:
- Quality Music Education Resources for Native American Heritage Month
- Five Books for Native American Heritage Month
- Three More Books for Native American Heritage Month
- Seven More Books for Native American Heritage Month
I hope this gives you some ideas on featuring Native American dance all year round! These aren’t the only books featuring dance. You can find more at www.theultimatemusicedbooklist.com.
